Lily returned, holding something. Alexander couldn't see what it was. She returned to the table, switched on the lamp, and examined the sample closely. Its fragrance was exceptional—utterly natural, emanating from the wood itself, yet it felt almost synthetic.

Intrigued, she wanted to know the wood's source, but finding it would be difficult if the young lad who'd made it was no longer working there. She turned to ask Alexander, but he was already behind her. Startled, she exclaimed, "Why are you here?"

"Where else should I be?" he retorted, a hint of resentment in his tone. "Are you finally acknowledging me?"

"I was just thinking," Lily said, coquettishly tugging at his sleeve. "I didn't mean to ignore you."

"It's even more annoying because it wasn't intentional," Alexander said, pinching her nose. His anger subsided quickly as he glanced at the wood. "Is this what's bothering you?"

"Yup," Lily nodded.

Alexander pinched the wood, brought it to his nose, and sniffed. "Very fragrant," he said, frowning.

"Yes! You think so too? It's extraordinary—unlike any sandalwood or other wood I've smelled. I've never encountered anything like it," Lily replied.

Alexander wasn't surprised. "The world is vast. It's normal to find something new. It might be an unknown species, or perhaps it's not an original species. Doesn't grafting exist?"

"Plant grafting?" Lily shook her head. "I've seen it at Middle Valley—we use grafted plants for our new product. But this is different." This difference was precisely what intrigued her.

Seeing her frown, Alexander considered. "Where did you get this? The woodcarving shop?"

"Yup."

"Simple. Ask the owner where he sourced the raw materials." Alexander felt the problem was straightforward.

"He doesn't know. I got this scrap from the part-time lad. I think he's the only one who knows its origin. I wanted him to save some for me, but he quit suddenly," Lily sighed, dejectedly.

"A young lad?" Alexander's eyes narrowed. His focus was different from Lily's.

Lily, lost in thought, didn't notice. "Yes. He seems more than just a handyman—he's strange, quick-tempered… interesting." She remembered his volatile nature, like gunpowder waiting to ignite, especially for someone so young.

"You seem very interested in him," Alexander said, trapping her between himself and the table, his hands on the table, leaning close. His demeanor was suddenly dangerous.

"To be exact, I'm interested in his wood. But the lad himself is strange, quick-tempered, and quite interesting," Lily replied, recalling his explosive temper. "He's still just a kid, too."